Blog Post

If you’re a little behind the times and want to understand more about location-based services and related subjects, read on. We have broken this resource down into the following sections; services, general help, case studies, and to round it off, some helpful statistics and facts.

The Services:

Foursquare is a location-based social networking website, software for mobile devices, and also a game. Users “check-in” at venues using a mobile website, text message or a device-specific application. They are then awarded points and sometimes “badges.”

Gowalla is a location-based social networking game created by Alamofire. Users ‘check-in’ at spots in their local vicinity, either through a dedicated mobile application or through the mobile website. As a reward users will sometimes receive items from check-ins. Items have developed to become a promotional tool for the game’s partners

Rummble is a bit like your social network, but based upon trust (or lack of) in people’s recommendations so you can discover things from thousands of people, not just your friends or immediate trusted connections.

Its the best to Rummble when you’re actually at a place that you love or loath, then you can add a photo and if you want, share it straight away on Twitter, Facebook, Bebo or more.

Loopt provides a mobile-based GPS sharing system that allows users to visualize one another using their mobile phones and share information. Loopt also enables users to explore the world around them by connecting users with integrated content from Citysearch, Zagat, Bing, Zvents, Metromix, SonicLiving and others.

In addition to the core features of Loopt, users also have the ability to integrate Loopt with other social networks, including Facebook and Twitter. Loopt also offers a Journal widget that displays a user’s latest updates and photos visually on a map, which they can easily install on their blog or other site.

Brightkite allows registered users to connect with their existing friends and also meet new people based on the places that they go. Once a user “checks in” at a place, they can post notes and photos to that location and other users can comment on these posts. Users control the privacy of their updates and can choose to share them with their Twitter and Facebook accounts, while also having the option to share their geo-tagged photo posts to Flickr.

Hot Potato makes it easy to share what you’re doing with friends and connect with others who have similar interests. You and your friends can connect around the question, “What are you doing?” First choose a verb – for example, “I’m attending.” Then select the name of the activity – “I’m attending the Superbowl.” Confirm the activity update, and you’re connected to everyone else attending the Superbowl on Hot Potato. Ask questions, and share your photos and videos.

CauseWorld is a mobile application that lets you help the world while you shop!

This is the easiest way to give back to your community! Best of all, in these tough economic times, it costs you nothing.

All you need to do is walk into one of the many stores you most likely frequent anyway, such as common groceries, hardware stores, department stores, and many others. Pull out your phone, open the app, and check in. No purchase is required. By checking in, you earn karmas from our sponsors. Donate those karmas for specific actions to improve the world. Some of the many actions in the CauseMall include donating to classrooms in need, planting a tree, providing a meal for the hungry, or helping an injured animal.

MyTown is a GPS game about buying and owning your favourite local shops, restaurants, and hangouts on your iPhone.

First, Check-in at real-world locations to unlock rewards. Then buy and own your favourite real-life places. During the day, you can collect rent when people Check-in to your shops. The more visitors that come to your stores, the more it raises your properties’ total value.

Foodspotters earn recognition for sharing foods they love enabling Foodseekers to find whatever they’re craving and see what’s good wherever they go.

Foodspotting is a visual local guide that lets you find dishes instead of just restaurants. It’s powered by Foodspotters, who can share their food photos and expertise while building a rich collection of foods and where to find them.

Become a Foodspotter by sharing a food that you love! You can post sightings on the website, mobile or email them to food@foodspotting.com!